Overview

To diagnose peripheral nerve injuries, your healthcare professional reviews your medical history. You’re asked about any accidents or previous surgeries you’ve had and about your symptoms. Your healthcare professional also conducts a physical and neurological exam. If there are symptoms of a nerve injury, you may need diagnostic tests, which may include:

  • Electromyography (EMG). In an EMG, a thin-needle electrode inserted into the muscle records the muscle’s electrical activity at rest and in motion. Reduced muscle activity can suggest nerve injury.
  • Nerve conduction study. Electrodes placed at two different points in the body measure how well electrical signals pass through the nerves.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of areas affected by nerve damage.
  • Ultrasound. Like MRI, these high-frequency sound waves produce detailed images of the area affected by nerve damage.
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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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